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Limbaugh, Media and Mayhem: Confronting Political Incivility in America

By Rev. Michael from Fayetteville, NY - Oct 18th, 2009 at 9:01 am EDT

Also listed in: Syracuse for Obama

Limbaugh, Modeling and Mayhem: Confronting Political Incivility in America

Good for the NFL owners for putting a media demagogue in his place. However, the controversy stirred up when NFL owners said no to Rush Limbaugh, missed an important point: The problem is not just racism. An equally serious problem is the negative effect the right wing media is having on our culture. Limbaugh and others like him are setting a very bad example for public behavior. In therapist lingo. it's bad modeling.

I believe the daily barrage of offensive rhetoric coming from talk radio has had an adverse effect on America and needs to be confronted. Evidence of this impact can be seen in town hall meetings, tea bag rallies and even on the floor of Congress. People seem to feel entitled to say what ever they want without regard for decorum or public decency. Limbaugh even brags about his influence. When asked about Glenn Beck, he crowed that he has "spawned" him as well as others.

I believe in free speech but I don't think it is an absolute right. You can't falsely yell fire in a crowed theater and you can't advocate the forcible overthrow of our government. Given the slogans and imagery found at recent conservative rallies, one has to wonder if the increasingly hostile and uncivil political climate is reaching a dangerous level. Videos that show cheers when Chicago lost its bid for the Olympics or outrage when our president won the Nobel Peace Prize tell you that things are getting out of hand. As Jon Stewart put it, some seem "to hate Obama more than they love their country".

I don't know about you but I wonder how nuts has America has become? Even though Obama has a 56% approval rating, all the media attention makes it feel like Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck have become "mainstream."

Certainly, intense political disagreements have always existed in our society, but what's going on lately is over the top. When some protesters actually bring weapons to demonstrations and others have featured the images of guns on placards with slogans like "peaceful... this time", it's time to say "Enough". The intimidating message is simple: Obama must be stopped by any means. We and the media need to stop the denial and call it what it is: naked appeals for violence and assassination.

In order to effectively confront offensive rhetoric, the underlying anxiety which drives the rancor needs to be understood. It's not enough to simply blame corporate, political and economic interests which have exploited public fears. Their propaganda would not have caught fire were it were not based on a powerful shared experience.

While a majority of Americans saw Obama's election as a sign of hope for America's future, others did not. For this minority, the prospect of change meant cataclysm. In the same way that the Bush administration took advantage of the terror created by the 9/11 attacks to wage war in Iraq, Conservatives have exploited unconscious racist fears and created an apocalyptic panic. The slogans and imagery found at the rallies vividly express the message of desperation that America is in imminent danger of being destroyed by President Obama.

I guess the point is this: It's up to us to stop incivility. We're going to have to speak up. Don't be afraid to call out and denounce the paranoia when you hear it whether it's from the "birthers", the "death panelers" or whoever. If the NFL owners can say no to offensive behavior, we can too.

Rev. Michael Heath Fayetteville NY 10 18 2009

Rev. Heath is a licensed psychotherapist, an ordained UCC minister, and social commentator :
www.dreamscape.com/mheath

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That time of year: local campaigns, upcoming lecture of interest, and OFA update

By Lisa Daly - Oct 4th, 2009 at 12:14 pm EDT

Also listed in: Syracuse for Obama

In this update:

- Upcoming Lecture of interest

- Canvassing for local Democratic Candidates

- Organizing for America hires one of our own as a CNY Field Director

--------

Hi all,

It is that time of year again - in case any of you are itching to get back into it, I wanted to let you know of some opportunities coming up to canvass for some great Democratic candidates in Syracuse and surrounding areas, and also an opportunity to get involved with the efforts to support the President's effort for healthcare reform and other important initiatives coming soon.

But first...

Lecture of Interest (and shameless personal plug):

I will be giving a talk at the Westcott Community center as part of the University Neighbors 2009-2010 Lecture Series on Sunday October 25th at 3pm. The topic will be "Online Media and Grassroots Politics." I will be speaking about the Obama campaign's use of new media tools, and also about our experience with the grassroots Obama campaign effort in NY State. This event is a fundraiser for Westcott Community Center, tickets $10 per person, $5 for students. Join us in dialogue and share refreshments afterwards. I would love to see you there!

http://www.westcottcc.org/UNLS09.htm (Official info)
http://events.linkedin.com/University-Neighbors-Lecture-Grassroots/pub/135888 (Unofficial Event listing on LinkedIn, No RSVP required)

Canvassing in the Outer University area for local Democratic candidates.

Meet at noon at 213 Melbourne Ave, Syracuse, NY 13224

Oct. 10: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpc57r
Oct. 17: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpc57v
Oct. 24: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/communityservice/gpc57j
Nov. 1: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/communityservice/gpc55h

Also, one of our own, Ralph Jones, is running in a tough race for the Onondaga County Legislature in the 10th District. If you would like to help support him, please check out his website and fill out the volunteer form to get involved.

http://citizensforralphjones.com/

Want to get involved in campaigns in your particular area? Click here full list of Democratic candidates for various local offices throughout Onondaga county:

http://www.onondagademocrats.org/ocdc/People.asp?page=Candidates

Organizing For America Update

Finally, many of you will remember John DeSantis, who was agreat volunteer throughout the campaign, and who went on to become an Obama campaign staffer inPennsylvania. He has returned home, and recently been hired as the CNY Regional Field Director for Organizing for America, which is overseeing the efforts to support healthcare reform, and other aspects of the President's agenda. His start date is Thursday. Any of you who are looking to get involved with Organizing for America can contact John either by e-mail (john.desantis (at) obamaalumni (dot) com), or by phone (315-657-7478).

Thanks,

Lisa

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host for phone booth?

By Allison - 'Cuse :) - Sep 16th, 2009 at 11:41 pm EDT

Also listed in: Syracuse for Obama

I'm considering hosting a Health Insurance Reform Phone Booth in downtown Syracuse... Who's with me??

I volunteered last fall for Syracuse for Obama by canvassing door-to-door on Bellevue to get folks registered to vote. But I have not hosted an event yet.

After going through losing my dad on April 6th of this year, and knowing everything he went through with regard to his health care and coverage--or lack there of--I feel very strongly that I owe it to him to get my butt out there and advocate for REAL reform.

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Media and Money Stoke Flames of Political Hysteria

By Rev. Michael from Fayetteville, NY - Sep 15th, 2009 at 9:50 pm EDT

Also listed in: Syracuse for Obama

Media and Money Stoke the Flames of Political Incivility

I don’t know about you but I am deeply disturbed by the current epidemic of incivility which is sweeping our country. Where is it going to end ? Over the past few months our nation’s political and social climate has grown ugly. Standards of public decorum and concern for facts have completely disappeared. More recently, however, as seen in on the placards of the protesters in Washington D.C., things have gotten much worse.

While putting a Hitler mustache on a photo or shouting out in the middle of a presidential speech may not be big deals all by themselves, when seen in the context of an ever growing list of incidents, there is reason for concern. This week’s daily double of Joe Wilson and the D.C. Tea party was almost surreal.

While the actual number of folks who agree with Beck and Limbaugh is small, it looks big. That’s because all the media attention has not only bestowed an undeserved legitimacy on the demonstrators’ rants but has also exaggerated their significance in the public eye. Worse, there are powerful financial incentives to keep the fireworks going which makes returning to more reasonable discourse unlikely.

Few, if any, Republicans have denounced any of the angry town-haller tactics or their absurd claims (e.g. the birthers or death panelers). They don’t object because offending their base would lose votes and money. Indeed, playing to the mob is good business as the Political Tourettes Syndrome boy from S.C. found out recently when he raked in $1,000,000 of campaign contributions following his outburst against the president. Likewise, Fox News’s ratings and profits go up the more they promote and pander to the tea bag toting agenda.

Taking a step back, it is important to understand that the rage expressed in the protests is based on a powerful and deep seated fear which should not be ignored or taken lightly. If you listen carefully, you can hear the desperation and panic. The objections are not just about health care reform. There is an urgent sense that terrible things have happened to America and that more is on the way. Obama has become the emblem of the change toward which all the crowd’s anger is directed. Watch the D.C. videos. Look at the signs. Read the slogans. This attack is personal, malicious and racist.

Changes in America’s fundamental institutions are undeniable and serve to trigger the protesters’ fears that they are or will be the losers. Our economy and our ethnic composition are not what they used to be and some folks are not taking the change too well. Rather than being proof of racism’s demise, the election of a Barack Obama as president has re-awakened and focused these formerly dormant fears.

The challenge for reasonable folks is clear. We have to talk more about the inevitable social and economic changes. We must confront that myth of turning back the clock. We must talk about race in America. Fears must be acknowledged and addressed. Media must educate and provide perspective. PBS and NPR are not enough. Instead of endlessly running clips of outrageous behavior, news organizations must distinguish fact from fiction and vet the news from the hysteria of the extremist groups.

The temptation to follow the anti-intellectual demagogue has never been greater. However, there is an antidote to this barrage of half-truths. It is reason and fact. The importance of careful reading and critical thinking has never been more important. I have confidence in the future. Ultimately, it is up to us to do the work, to demand the whole truth and to resist being swept up in the emotion of the mob.

Rev. Michael Heath Fayetteville NY 9 15 2009

Rev. Heath is a licensed psychotherapist, ordained UCC minister and social commentator: www.dreamscape.com/mheath

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Practical Yoga

By Rev. Dr. Yb-lem Cueva Oskowitz - Aug 16th, 2009 at 7:55 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

üWords of Wisdom
Community = a place for you = a place to belong. Together we make a difference, because we all are one person, one community, and one world. üTheology is a formulation of knowledge about the Nature of God, and its laws and or requirements of human beings.
It is the study of the Creator (the one with many names and many ways) and of Gods relations to the Universe, and it is the study of religious truth.
nThe Yoga of Writing and Sharing Wisdom – Famtrad
n
A Study conducted by the North Dakota State University found that “people who have asthma and arthritis markedly improved their health simply by setting aside time from twenty minutes a day to three days a week – to write (I call it the Yoga of free writing). Of the seventy patients that participated in the one moth research study, 47% show definite improvement,” as opposed to only 24% who showed improvement without writing. So, the researchers concluded that putting your thoughts and observations on paper relieves stress and eases the mind.”
nA research at the University of Pennsylvania School of medicine showed that by doing some Yoga exercises, some people can reduce pain in the wrist, and improve flexibility, and even reduced numbness, by practicing some simple Yoga posture exercises. These postures are believed to increased blood flow. -References – Maramatha Christian Journal – Medical School to examine role of Religion – Social Science and Medicine American Journal of Public Health – Book Natural Cures and Gentle Medicines. nThis Yoga is a method which is known to unite ones, mind, body and spirit. nYou see, free writing is a form of relaxation, of transcendental meditation, and of visualization, and of developing the practice of Yoga writing as a form of increasing the awareness of ones creative mind. nYoga writing helps one to developed patience, persistence, and or self-discipline as well self-acceptance.

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Mary Nelson BBQ & Tabling Event

By Angela from Syracuse, NY - Aug 15th, 2009 at 3:30 pm EDT

Also listed in: 6 groups

We had a very successful event today at the Mary Nelson Barbecue! It was the hottest day of the summer and people were hot on healthcare reform as well! We secured lots of signatures pledging support to President Obama's principles and encouraged others to contact their members of Congress to promote healthcare reform.

Thank-you especially to Phil who made sure we had water, John who served as our "mobile" ambassador, Chris, who made an emergency run to the library to photocopy blank pledge sheets, and Rachel who provided the much needed sunscreen! Ruth showed up in the nick of time when I was working alone and needed some coverage! Thank-you also to anyone who worked on the back pack distribution/preparation. The heat was blistering but our enthusiasm held strong.

Mary Nelson should be an inspiration to us all! She started the project on her own 8 years ago and has shown us what one person's effort can turn into! By one person doing their own small part, an idea can snowball into results! There is no end to what can be accomplished!

Keep cool & committed everyone!

Angela

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Serving the community unconditionally and caring for others unconditionally all religions are one

By Rev. Dr. Yb-lem Cueva Oskowitz - Aug 11th, 2009 at 8:36 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

nResearch - Is any process by which information is systematically and carefully gathered for the purpose of answering questions, examining ideas, or testing theories. nResearch is a discipline inquiry that can take numerous forms. nStatistics - Are a set of mathematical techniques that are use by social scientists to organize and manipulate data for the purpose of answering questions and testing theories. nData - It is any information collected as part of a research project and expres nThe Yoga of Writing and Sharing Wisdom – Famtrad
n
A Study conducted by the North Dakota State University found that “people who have asthma and arthritis markedly improved their health simply by setting aside time from twenty minutes a day to three days a week – to write (I call it the Yoga of free writing). Of the seventy patients that participated in the one moth research study, 47% show definite improvement,” as opposed to only 24% who showed improvement without writing. So, the researchers concluded that putting your thoughts and observations on paper relieves stress and eases the mind.”

sed as numbers. nBhakti Yoga = It is a philosophical concept of complete love and devotion to the Creator/God/Goddess – as it is stress in the Veda Holy book of Verses known as the Gita. nRaja Yoga = It is an ancient philosophical concept of one being in complete union with God = The Supreme Soul through meditation and pure actions and complete total devotion to God nMission = understanding others and how they feel, encourage others to share their comments or opinions, and that no one is perfect, and that there are no right or wrong comments or points of view, for it all is wisdom and our own experiences; learn to accept others for who they are. nNo religion, or belief system, or philosophical concept, or prophet is better than the other, for these are ways to let us see the big picture and help us understand God better. nBecome community oriented, and include yourself and others in what is going on within your community; give others support and encouragement be it by listening, being there for them, etc…, if you can help others toward fulfilling their potentials brainstorm together. the Father. nPhilosophy of Religion - This involves the application and analysis to the concepts and ideas which are characteristic of religion. nMany aspects of religion are sociological in nature, for example, issues about the power exercised by organized religions. nOther features are psychological, for example, in terms of the cognitive attitudes which might tend to encourage someone to join a particular religious groups. nThe nature of religious knowledge is a fundamental issue in the philosophy of religion. nMuch of the analyses of religious knowledge has centered on the supposed difference between natural and revealed religious experience. üHigh Priestess nIt is a full – time consecrated well trained, female religious professional and researcher who cares wholeheartedly on the subject of self and others, and is always willing to facilitate, for her rewards are not of this world but divine. nA High-Priestess is also known since ancient times as a Wisdom Woman, as well as a fable advice-giver who teaches others from her vast experience and social research and can be sympathetic to the community unconditionally. nMonasticism = it is the humble existence of monks who live solitary lives of complete devotion, pure love to God, unconditional service to others, religious discipline and self-denial. nPrajnaparamita
“Subhuti, how does a person first feel a need to save beings?
He/she becomes aware of what kind of wise insight which shows him/her beings as on their way to destruction of themselves. Great compassion then takes hold of him/her. He/she surveys the world, and what he/she sees fills him/her with agitation… So such person radiates great friendliness and compassion over all these beings and gives his/her attention to them, thinking, “I would like to save these beings; I would like to release them from all their sufferings.” But he/she does not make this desire as an attachment, for even he/she never turns his/her back on full enlightenment. üRev. Dr. Yb-lem Oskowitz Words Of Wisdom nMy labor of love is teaching, educating, and making a difference in the world by sharing wisdom with family, friends, helping others without reserve, and willing to guide them towards enlightment and spiritual development. nCivic Humanism – It is a type of humanism that stresses the thought that human beings achievement and education is totally uttered merely if groups apply their talents to serve their cities. nThe Covenant I will protect the unity of my church=community and nature (Mother Earth):
Caring about other people
Refusing to gossip
Following the leaders
Sharing responsibilities of my community and city and praying for it.
Sharing wisdom with others.
Discovering my gifts and challenges
Being ready to serve others and my community
Living a Godly Life.

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Getting Our Backs Up -- When we can't back down.

By Rev. Michael from Fayetteville, NY - Jul 30th, 2009 at 10:08 am EDT

Also listed in: Syracuse for Obama

Getting our backs up – When we can’t back down

With all the attention given to the part race has played in the controversy between the Harvard professor and the Cambridge police officer, an important psychological aspect has been overlooked. Without taking sides as to who was right or wrong, a lot of folks wonder how a highly educated professor and an experienced and diversity trained cop got into the ugly situation they did. In retrospect, it is easy to see how either of them could have acted differently and avoided the whole mess. But maybe that is the bigger point and why we should take a moment to learn from this incident.

Viewed psychologically, the Gates-Crowley episode is an example of a two-way stress reaction. To summarize the situation: A neighbor who sees two men forcibly entering a next door home calls 911 to have it checked out. A policeman, Officer Crowley, arrives and asks Prof. Gates, who has just come off a long flight from China, for identification. According to the police report, Gates is at first belligerent but then does provide identification showing he is the owner of the house. An angry exchange develops resulting in the professor being handcuffed, arrested and taken to jail.

While the basic facts suggest that no one should be arrested for breaking into his own home, it is likely that both parties overreacted. Gates apparently began hurling racist charges at the officer and Crowley was, after establishing that no break-in had occurred, unable to just walk away. Neuro-physiologically neither could jsutwalk away because, the locus of control in their brains had shifted from the reasonable to the panic/rage area.

When we experience danger or are caught off guard the amygdale part of our brains( the fight or flight part) takes over from the neo-cortex. When this happens, fear, (often times expressed as aggression) rather than reason, controls our actions and conflicts can only be resolved by brute force. Unfortunately, situations like this happen every day to folks in all walks of life. We must wake up to the fact that we are a highly reactive society which needs to learn how to respond to frustration and unexpected events more courteously. Luckily there is hope.

Fear driven, emotional outbursts do not happen all of a sudden, they take time to develop. Since our bodies react to stress before our conscious mind, there is a window of opportunity to take aversive action to avoid the unpleasant explosions. Here are four steps everyone can employ during that window of opportunity to avoid stress reactions:

1. Be aware – Understand that we all are vulnerable to stress reactions which destroy reasonable discourse and judgment.

2. Identify your “distress organ”, i.e. where your body experiences stress. Each person has an an area that reacts to stressful situations. It could be a head or back ache, a tightness in the chest or stomach, a clenching of one’s jaw or various other physical symptoms which occur when one is beginning to feel stressed.

3. Recognize the warning. Your organ of distress is a fire alarm which gives you time to change course before a stress related outburst occurs.

4. When you notice your organ of distress is acting up, get away. For example, if you are talking on the phone, hang up. If you are talking to someone, end the conversation and walk away.

By recognizing and removing yourself from the toxic situations, your brain has a chance to hit the reset button and to begin to regain reasonable control and judgment. By realizing that even Harvard professors are vulnerable to being caught up in stress reactions, we all need to make a commitment to act more civilly and keep better our emotions under better control is social situations.

Rev. Michael Heath Fayetteville NY 7 29 2009

Rev. Michael Heath is a licensed psychotherapist, and ordained UCC minister and social commentator: www.dreamscape.com/mheath.

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Syracuse National Health Care Day of Service Event

By John D - Jun 17th, 2009 at 11:00 am EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

Check it out: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpc4pl
Syracuse National Health Care Day of Service Event (National Health Care Day of Service) President Obama is asking us all to be apart of making Health Care reform a reality. Become an advocate of healthcare reform through community participation! You are invited to attend a press conference and health care service event in the Buckland Community Room of the Dewitt Community Library on Saturday June 27th from 10:00 am -noon. This will be an opportunity to bring attention to the tremendous health care needs in our community. We will be kicking off our “rides for reform” project by announcing our offer to provide free rides to medical appointments to those in need. There are many in the community who do not have transportation and are faced with the challenge of getting to their medical appointments. We will also be conducting a leafleting campaign to inform the public of the availability of free or low cost children's health insurance. In addition, other community partnerships will be discussed.
At the event we will be
• Signing up volunteers to offer rides
• Calling supporters to enlist their participation
• Stuffing envelopes
• Distributing leaflets
• Discussing further community involvements
So, roll up your sleeves, join us on the 27th and together we'll drive home the need for health care reform!
Can't come on the 27th? Sign up here to participate in the Rides for Reform service project: http://tinyurl.com/drivinghome Time: Saturday, June 27 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Host: John DeSantis Contact Phone: 315-657-7478 Location: DeWitt Community Library Shoppingtown Mall (Syracuse, NY) 3649 Erie Blvd East
Syracuse, NY 13214

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Syracuse for Obama is now on Twitter

By Lisa Daly - Apr 21st, 2009 at 8:54 pm EDT

Also listed in: Syracuse for Obama

Syracuse for Obama is now on Twitter. Check us out for local news and updates of interest to the Obama community in Syracuse:

www.twitter.com/Syracuse4Obama/

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Organizing for America Central New York kickoff meeting

By John D - Apr 8th, 2009 at 7:07 pm EDT

Also listed in: 7 groups

President Obama always said that the campaign was not about getting someone elected and it wasn't about him. It was about creating change in our country. Come down to the DeWitt Communtiy Library this Saturday April 11th at 1pm and hear how you can help President Obama enact that change and help our nation recover from the current economic crisis. RSVP at one of the below events on facebook or MyBo.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptw7d

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=158638970175

Hope you can make it!

John

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Pledge Project article from Huffington Post

By Allie - Mar 19th, 2009 at 12:31 pm EDT

Also listed in: 8 groups

We can do this, New York... Let's get charged up and get everyone we know involved. Check out the link below to Huffinton Post's great article on the Pledge Project.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/18/obama-urges-door-to-door_n_176278.html

Some key quotes from Huffington Post:

"...Getting similar levels of involvement for a budget fight is a much more difficult battle - one that proved elusive during the stimulus debate - and it should provide an interesting insight into the extent of the emotional investment of Obama supporters."

"I'm asking you to head outside this Saturday to knock on some doors, talk to some neighbors, and let people know how important this budget is to our future," the president says. "And that is why I'm asking you to stay involved in the days ahead."

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OFA update - Pledge Project

By Allie - Mar 10th, 2009 at 10:34 pm EDT

Also listed in: 10 groups

Hello:

My name is Allie Feldman, and I'm helping Ben Baruch with Organizing for America here in New York.

We just wanted to make sure everyone sees the email and video below discussing OFA's next nationwide initiative -- the Pledge Project.
Please feel free to contact me or Ben if you have any questions or concerns.

Stay tuned for more updates coming by the end of the week!

Thanks,
Allie

--
Allie Feldman
Volunteer
Organizing for America | New York
allie.feldman@gmail.com 908-370-2689

Ben Baruch
Volunteer Liaison
Organizing for America | New York

bennett.baruch@obamaalumni.com

Just over a week ago, President Obama submitted his first budget and made it clear he was ready for the fight to come.

The President isn't alone. We're ready for that fight too -- it's what you built this movement for.

Watch a video I recorded announcing our new initiative, the Organizing for America Pledge Project:

Americans are ready for the bold new direction this plan offers. It's what they voted for in November, and it's needed now more than ever as we continue to face an unprecedented economic crisis.

But the special interests and old ways of Washington won't go away easily. In fact, they'll only fight back harder.

It's up to you to organize support for President Obama's plan throughout the country. It's the only way we'll get the change this country needs.

Take the next step now in our fight to bring change:

http://my.barackobama.com/pledgeproject

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

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Organizing for America - New York Update

By Ben Baruch - Feb 26th, 2009 at 3:47 pm EST

Also listed in: 10 groups

Hello New Yorkers for Obama:

I hope you are as fired up as I am after President Obama’s address to congress the other night! Across the country and here in New York we are inspired by the President’s message and motivated to organize for change.

I wanted to introduce myself to those of you who I don’t yet know. My name is Bennett Baruch and I worked as a grassroots organizer on the Obama campaign. Just like many of you, I knocked on doors, made phone calls and held organizing meetings with teams of volunteers. Together we won this election.

I am excited to serve as New York’s Volunteer Liaison to Organizing for America and I'm thrilled to tell you that Organizing for America is up and running! OFA’s mission is to mobilize our grassroots movement in support of President Obama’s policies for change and to build on and strengthen that grassroots organization we have all built together. I am an unpaid volunteer (not an official OFA staffer) who has been asked to help coordinate our efforts here in New York with OFA’s national office.

I know that many of you are already utilizing the Obama network to organize in your communities. In New York, we held 198 house parties and collected 1,578 stories around the economic crisis. Your efforts helped pass the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act and your involvement will be critical to its success.

You can act today to support our economic recovery. We've put together an easy to use online tool to look up the phone numbers of your representatives who voted in favor of the economic recovery plan -- take a few minutes today to thank them for doing what's right.

Take a minute to thank the Senators and Representatives who supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and encourage them to continue working with President Obama to lift America out of this economic crisis. When you're done, report back to us about the calls you made.

Throughout the next weeks and months, I look forward to working with all of you to ensure that Organizing for America is successful here in New York. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or ideas as we continue to organize for change.

Many thanks,
Ben

--
Bennett Baruch
Volunteer Liaison
Organizing for America | New York

Respect. Empower. Include.

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It Feels So Good !!!

By Rev. Michael from Fayetteville, NY - Feb 2nd, 2009 at 6:42 pm EST

Also listed in: Syracuse for Obama

It Sure Feels Good !

I know that with all the problems our nation faces no one person or

event can change everything around. But after all we have been through

over the past eight years with Bush, Obama’s inauguration sure feels good.

Several personal experiences I had on inauguration day and through out the

week reinforced the feeling that something really special has happened:

On a Jet Blue flight headed for Cancun, folks throughout the plane, who

had been watching the ceremonies on the in flight TV, broke into spontaneous

cheers and shouts when Obama completed his oath of office. Even the flight crew

could not hide their enthusiasm.

Wearing an Obama T shirt at the resort, I was met with high fives and

“that’s what I’m talking about” greetings by everyone.

In the streets of Playa del Carmen, without the Obama T, friendly Mexicans

would give the victory sign and cheer “Viva Obama”. When we spoke they said that

they were very excited to know that Obama was now America’s leader.

Relaxing in the Jacuzzi, even self identified Republicans would say things like

“I’ve never voted for a Democrat before but I have to give the man credit”.

I’m not trying to be naïve but maybe, just maybe, the time for healing and real

change has come. The people of the world seem to be a forgiving people. In

one moment, Obama’s very presence has wiped away America’s

shame and changed the attitudes of millions, (maybe billions) of people toward

our nation: Where America was once resented for her military arrogance, she is

once again looked up to for her leadership and compassion.

Where once America disregarded the opinions of the world community and thus

became alienated from it, she now recognizes the essential kinship we share with all

humanity and thus, again, can be seen as a fellow partner who struggles for and shares

in the common hope for a better future.

Michael Heath* Fayetteville N.Y. 2/2/2009

*Rev. Heath is a psychotherapist, UCC minister and social commentator at: www.dreamscape.com/mheath

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Journey to History

By Phil In the Cuse - Jan 25th, 2009 at 9:50 pm EST

Also listed in: 5 groups

So you want to know how it all went, the juicy details, the tidbits and stories picked up while traveling to our nation's capital to witness the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.

Well, most of the story you already know. A movement was born 23 months ago, the hard work of millions led to the most important election of our lifetimes, and our side won! And before us lies the daunting task of rebuilding our economy, our esteem abroad and our confidence in ourselves.

We little know the big picture of what lies ahead. All we can surmise at this point is the first impression our new president gave to America and the world, and it was a mighty strong one.

Getting there, on my part, involved getting on one of Walt Dixie's two buses in the parking lot of a grocery store on Syracuse's East Side. We left just after 8 p.m., driving through the chilly night in good spirits and great fellowship, even in the wee hours.

Walt was quite right in saying that the easy part was getting to Washington. Though you had lines in the New Carrollton Metro station, we got on board quite easily, with special tickets featuring the picture of our new president, and arrived at L'Enfant Square before 6 a.m.

What followed, on my part, was a whole lot of walking in a feeble attempt to get to the security checkpoint on Constitution Avenue. Turns out, having a purple ticket wasn't all it was supposed to be, as the numerous stories have filtered out about waiting in lines and never even getting into the viewing venue near the Capitol.

The walking part consumed two hours as the sun rose over the gathering masses. Quickly, I had to decide - battle the security, or just surrender. As it turned out, the choice was quite easy.

Around 8:30 a.m., the ticket quest ended and I waded into the gathering vigil of hundreds of thousands of my fellow citizens in the National Mall, wedged in cardboard-covered grass between the Capitol and the Washington Monument. They were of all ages, all races, and every background imaginable. And every person I talked to seemed to come from a different state, welled up with pride about what they were about to witness.

Never mind that the ground we occupied stood a solid distance from the nearest Jumbotron, or that the audio from the speakers took some time to get cranked up, or that...well, it was quite cold (thank God for the sunshine). Everyone waited with anticipation, armed with the vast army of hand-held Stars and Stripes handed out by volunteers.

As the dignitaries came out to the podium, they got varied responses. Colin Powell got a nice cheer. The Carters and Clintons were warmly greeted. Dick Cheney, wheelchair-bound in his best Mr. Potter imitation, was not. And any sighting of the outgoing president triggered boos and a lot of "Na na na na Hey hey hey goodbye" singing. They were still doing it when Michelle Obama was being introduced! Not that classy, in my book.

But when it culminated with Barack Obama, splendidly attired in a dark suit and red tie, walking out to the stage, the roar was unleashed - and so were the flags. What a sight for the whole world to see - Americans, even in this down time, proud of their country and proud of their soon-to-be president. It was moving stuff, and no one had said a word yet.

Much of the ceremony itself passed like a blur. Dianne Feinstein said some great words. Rick Warren's prayer fit the moment. Aretha was..well, Aretha. Joe Biden got through his oath just fine, and yes the other musical number was mimed....but it was also 20 degrees outside.

Then, at 12:05, the moment....Barack Obama on one side, Chief Justice John Roberts on the other, Michelle, Malia and Sasha between them, Obama's left hand on the same Bible Lincoln used on March 4, 1861....and Roberts screws up the words! I knew so, and flinched a bit, but few around me likely noticed that the exact oath put in the Constitution 222 years ago was not said.

No matter, though - when Obama said, "So Help Me God", the roar was deafening, the flags waved again, and the wondrous act, perfected in our country, of a peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next had renewed itself once more. But it had never, ever meant as much as it did right now.

If you read Obama's inaugural address, it is quite beautiful. Mentions of scripture, an honest assessment of our many crises, a firm resolve to meet them, both here and abroad, a call for shared sacrifice and service from all of us, and a final evocation not of Lincoln, FDR or JFK, but the words of George Washington himself in the midst of the Revolutionary War. They faced long odds and prevailed. And YES WE CAN do the same.

The poem was nice, and Joseph Lowery's benediction was awesome. But the end part really got me. As the Navy Sea Chanters sang "The Star-Spangled Banner", I found myself singing it, too, loudly, like never before, and almost coming to tears. Never had that song, heard thousands of times before, meant so much. Never had I felt so proud to be an American than on this glorious day.

After a couple of hours drinking in the moment, it was time to head out. Getting back to Maryland, for my part, wasn't too hard (though quite cold), but it took a few hours for everyone on our buses to get back....so the drive home was mostly a lot of sleep, but we got back safely, just after 2 a.m. Wednesday morning. No parade, no inaugural ball...but we had experienced so much anyway.

When my parents called later, I recalled some of the hang-ups with the purple ticket, but Mom was right - at least I was there. I wished every American who wanted to could have been there. It felt like a pep rally for our entire nation, and when I read about how people around the world stopped what they were doing to watch this, it only made the moment more special.

Now back home, all of us, as citizens, have to live up to our part of the bargain. President Obama (it feels so good just to type those words) will do all he can, but we must do the same in our own communities - by being active in our communities, by volunteering, by doing anything we can to help our fellow man. Only by doing this can we pull through this trying time.

And there will be lots of time to hash out the issues. But if nothing else, we all got a chance to share in one of the landmark events in America's history, an event we all helped to make possible.

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The Cusp of History

By Phil In the Cuse - Jan 18th, 2009 at 9:03 pm EST

Also listed in: 5 groups

It's no longer a matter of months, or weeks, or even days. Now it is just hours before Barack Obama raises his right hand and solemnly swears, upon the same Bible Abraham Lincoln used in 1861, to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and to preserve, protect and defend our Constitution.

And in that moment, America will be reborn.

You can see the rebirth happening already. The immense crowds are already gathering in Washington, and anyone who watched that HBO concert today must have found their soul stirred and their eyes moved to tears. Just the picture of Obama, at the Lincoln Memorial, speaking to the masses under the watchful gaze of our greatest of presidents...the torch passed again.

By an immense stroke of good fortune, I will be among those masses Tuesday, just a proud citizen witnessing one of the most breathtaking events in American history. It's impossible to express the emotions I will feel going there, because there's nothing in life that can compare to being at an event of this prestige.

Through 23 months of being part of this movement, what has been so beautiful to see, especially in these days leading up to the inauguration, is the sense of support and good wishes that people of all persuasions are giving Barack Obama.

To me, that goes beyond common courtesy, and even goes beyond the fact that Obama is following the disastrous presidency of George W. Bush. It relates to a theme common throughout our history - our need for a hero in tough times.

Usually, it's the kind of impulse with its roots in military struggles. It's what drove Americans to support Washington and make him our first president, and helped push men like Jackson, Taylor, Grant and Eisenhower to the White House. Immense success on one field of battle translated into votes and the Oval Office.

Obviously, the military question doesn't apply here. Instead, it's the historic oddity of having seen, twice in our nation's annals, the specatcle of a failed presidency followed by the glory of another.

James Buchanan did nothing while seeing America ripped apart by slavery, yet it set the stage for Lincoln and his incomparable achievements. Herbert Hoover did little for three years while the Great Depression worsened, but out of those ashes came FDR, arguably the best president of the 20th century.

Sound familiar? Well I believe, and surely all of you do as well, that our trying times gives Barack Obama a chance to be one of our great presidents. Look at the way he has already inspired millions to improve their own lives, and made people around the world look at the United States in a more positive light.

The work to change America only began with Obama's election and his inauguration. We know the burden he faces, but he cannot do it alone. We must, in the months and years ahead, work and strive and volunteer in our communities in the same positive, YES WE CAN spirit that made our campaign so special and successful.

First, though, comes that pep talk on Tuesday, with the whole world watching. We are all ready for it, too.

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If Obama is so Inclusive, where’s the Gay Minister at the Inaugural Ceremony?

By Rev. Michael from Fayetteville, NY - Dec 18th, 2008 at 8:41 pm EST

Also listed in: Syracuse for Obama

If Obama is so Inclusive, where’s the Gay Minister at the Inaugural Ceremony?

As one who has followed and written supportively about Barack Obama over the past several years, I feel compelled to comment about his latest decision. Frankly, I was shocked to hear thathe has selected Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration. (Rick Warren is the guy who, although he likes to be seen as the moderate evangelical, supported Prop 8 and compared gay marriage to incest.) Given the pain caused by the California initiative, it is hard to imagine a worse choice.

Defenders of Obama’s selection claimed that he was trying to be a uniter and provide a diversity of views at the event. Okay, if that is true, where is the gay minister? America has seen nothing but Christian conservatives for the last eight years but we have yet to see a gay clergy-person at a major political event. If Obama truly wants to change America’s attitudes about gays, he must do more than just mouth the words. He must openly acknowledge gay leaders, in public, at important occasions. By doing so, he will provide the media events and photo ops which will be the new icons of a changed mentality.

What is ironic is the fact that Obama belongs to the United Church of Christ, a Protestant denomination which has ordained openly gay ministers since the 1970's. His denomination not only says that it respects gay clergy, it employs them at every level. What would be so bad about including a UCC cleric in his swearing-in ceremony ?

For a man who ran under the banner of change and who understands the media so well, it is disturbing that person Obama chose is a man who represents America’s discriminatory and intolerant past. Where is the change in having a conservative Christian leader who opposes gay rights at this momentous hour in our history ? Images matter.

Luckily there is still time for Obama to reconsider and include a gay clergy-person in the celebration, perhaps to give the benediction. I pray that many will urge him to make this inaugural event a truly inclusive and diverse occasion.

Rev. Michael Heath Fayetteville 12 18 1008

Rev. Heath is a licensed psychotherapist, ordained UCC minister and social commentator.www.dreamscape.com/mheath

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A Story We Can Relate To

By Phil In the Cuse - Dec 15th, 2008 at 9:46 pm EST

Also listed in: 4 groups

They went through the formal procedure of the Electoral College in the 50 states and District of Columbia, the next step toward making Barack Obama the President of the United States. They will confirm it in Congress Jan. 6, and two weeks later, Mr. President-Elect raises his right hand, swears on the Bible, and becomes Mr. President with the whole world watching.

How wonderful, how refreshing it will be to see an American president respected and loved again. As we all saw in Iraq Sunday, they don't exactly feel that way about Obama's predecessor, and that's a big reason why Obama's presidency will be so transformative.

If we have learned anything in 2008, it's the fact that America can change, that our people can take charge of their nation's destiny if properly motivated by an inspiring leader. You have to give them hope - a phrase we've heard before.

Tonight, I went to see "Milk", the brilliant Gus Van Sant film about Harvey Milk, the man who became America's first openly gay elected official when selected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, only to be murdered a year later by a fellow supervisor who also shot and killed Mayor George Moscone.

Aside from the quality and the majesty of Sean Penn's performance in the title role, what kept striking me was the eerie timeliness of this film, coming in the year where California voters approved Prop 8, banning gay marriage - in other words, taking away the right for gay couples to be as happy and protected by the law as straight couples. A step back, to be sure.

Oh, and there was another reason it was all timely. Harvey Milk built his political power from a single neighborhood, San Francisco's Castro District. It was a genuine grass-roots movement of people fighting for their right to exist and be full human beings, challenging a status quo that frightened them, intimidated them and put them in the closet.

The overriding theme was that, to build a movement, as Milk said himself numerous times, "You gotta give them hope", that even if you take away all the material possessions of life, you can never snuff out the human desire to hope.

Sound familiar? Oh yes, for it was the very same foundation of our movement, the very words that Barack Obama lived by as he pursued what, at first, seemed like an impossible dream. He gave us hope, and we converted that hope into a powerful political force that overwhelmed all the attempts to take us down.

Just as Harvey Milk became a pioneer by giving millions a champion and a role model 30 years ago, Barack Obama has done the same for us. Now I pray that we carry the lessons we have learned in this movement into changing our communities, our country and the world for the better.

YES WE CAN!!

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Where We Can Make A Difference

By Phil In the Cuse - Dec 9th, 2008 at 10:17 pm EST

Also listed in: 5 groups

Five weeks after the great tension and great joy that was Nov. 4, 2008, let it be recorded that Syracuse For Obama was born again, with a new purpose - to serve our community with the same passion, drive and determination that helped us elect Barack Obama to be our next president.

Crowding into a cozy room at DeWitt Community Library, the members of our group - many of them familiar, but a few ones as well - avidly discussed our next steps. Most of the talk centered around how we can best utilize our talent to serve those in need.

The wonderful centerpiece of our meeting was the presentation by Angela Douglas. On her own, she is already making a difference in Syracuse with her group called the CNY Circles Campaign, or "Bridges Out of Poverty". To date, without any funds, they have started to lift 44 familes out of poverty, with the goal of eventually reaching 100 families. And they are looking for new leaders. Email them at cnycircles@contactsyracuse.org, or call (315) 251-1400.

In the meantime, it's been suggested that our group participate in one community outreach event prior to the Jan. 20 inauguration. Many great ideas came up, from food drives to clothing drives, something that can be done after the holidays, when giving is not in the spotlight.

All that is good - but that is not enough. We must, long-term, devote ourselves to community action and lifting the status of our fellow citizens. It is what Barack Obama did in young adulthood, when he could have made a lot of money looking out for himself. It is our calling, too.

The best thing I heard tonight, other than Angela's presentation, was when Andrea Audi brought up the Literacy Volunteers of Amercia, founded here in Syracuse. While health care, economy and education are all fundamental issues we must deal with, none has as large an impact, both societal and psychological, as the inability to read.

Just think about what teaching a child, or adult, to read can do. It opens every door in society, from understanding job applications to educational opportunities. It is imperative that we promote literacy - a nonpartisan issue if ever there was one.

Of course, we will also advocate for the issues that mean so much to us. Combined, the millions of volunteers and contributors that made up the Obama movement can make for one powerful interest group, but only if we stay involved, stay active and hold our leaders, especially our new president, accountable for their behavior.

As we all saw with the disgraceful acts of the governor of Illinois, it's so crucial that citizens are aware of what is going on with the people they elected. Lack of awareness can lead to the sort of corruption and arrogance Rob Blagoevich has displayed.

We know Barack Obama is a special leader, but that only gets us a few steps toward change. For certain, we cannot go back to the apathy, cynicism and ignorance that marked recent years of our political history. We need to supply the President-Elect with the support he needs to lift our country out of our rough spot - and we need to affect change here, too.

And, well, YES WE CAN!! Felt good to say that again....

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